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Hunter to face off against light-rail opponent for state office | 48th District, Pos. 1

State Rep. Ross Hunter (D-Medina) is aiming for his sixth term in the 48th District this fall.

In his reelection effort, Hunter has drawn only one challenger, Bill Hirt a Bellevue resident. Hirt is a Republican running on the issue of East Link light-rail, a plan he thinks will bring more harm than good to the region.

He has testified at numerous Bellevue City Council meetings about the project.

"I’m running because Eastside legislators have abetted East Link, a monumental fraud perpetrated by Sound Transit and the WSDOT that will be a disaster for the entire east side," he wrote in his statement on the King County Voters Pamphlet.

Hirt has not raised any funds for his campaign, according to the state Public Disclosure Commission.

Hunter has raised more than $96,000, with about $15,000 spent.

Hunter, the chair of the state House Ways and Means Committee, is one of the more influential Democrats in the House. He is a key figure in state budget negotiations.

Hunter said in the voter's guide that he will continue to work toward creating a financially stable state, while making sure to focus on some of the Eastside's most pressing projects. "

With your support I will continue to emphasize a strong, fully-funded education system, balanced state budgets, and work to ensure the 520 bridge project remains on-time and under-budget," he said.

The Municipal League of King County rated Hunter as "Very Good," while it said Hirt was "Not Qualified" for the position.

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